National Unity Day in Lanzo Torinese
Date of the event:
On 8 November 2026 Lanzo Torinese celebrates National Unity and Armed Forces Day with a ceremony that begins in piazza Martiri della Libertà and culminates in the presentation of the Constitution of the Italian Republic, the Statute of the Piedmont Region and the Italian tricolour flag to the town's newly-turned-eighteen-year-olds [1][2].
The ceremony
The ceremony opens with the flag-raising and the laying of a laurel wreath in piazza Martiri della Libertà. A procession, accompanied by the Lanzo Torinese Town Band conducted by maestro Giacinto Alasonatti, then reaches the Monument to the Fallen of the First World War and the memorial stone in front of the town's schools [1][2].
At LanzoIncontra
The central moment takes place at LanzoIncontra, where mayor Fabrizio Vottero and the municipal administration welcome representatives of the armed forces, institutions, associations and residents. The Constitution of the Italian Republic, the Statute of the Piedmont Region and the tricolour flag are presented to the newly-turned-eighteen-year-olds, while five lower-secondary school students, accompanied by teacher Gabriella D'Arrigo, read reflections they wrote on the meaning of 4 November [1][2].
The Youth Council presents the project "Io partecipo, decido e costruisco il nostro futuro" ("I take part, decide and build our future"), aimed at those born in 2008 and 2009 and funded through the Compagnia di San Paolo's "Festa del primo voto" ("First Vote Day") scheme. The eighteen-year-olds present are also given their voter's card, ahead of their first vote [1][2].
The mayor's address
In his address, mayor Fabrizio Vottero recalls the story of the so-called "Ragazzi del '99" ("Boys of '99"), the young men born in 1899 and called to the front in 1917 during the First World War, who came from different regions and were often unable to understand one another because of their different dialects. The reference is used to underline the bond between the generations of that time and those of today, in the year of the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic [1][2]. Vottero stresses that the contribution now asked of the new generations lies in "service, solidarity, upholding the rule of law, commitment to people's safety and to peace" [1]. Lieutenant Osvaldo Loiacono also speaks [1].
Sources
- TorinOggi — 9 November 2026
- CronacaQui Torino — 9 November 2026